Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog, proposed integrating climate risks into the TRUST framework established by India and the U.S. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of climate challenges and the need for local empowerment. As India prepares its first National Adaptation Plan, climate finance remains crucial for supporting adaptation efforts among vulnerable communities.
Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog, advocated for the inclusion of climate risks within the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) framework, which was recently endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at the “India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future” summit, he emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing climate change alongside the existing focus on technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
The TRUST framework aims to foster partnerships among governments, academia, and industry in areas such as defense and biotechnology, enhancing cooperation in critical technological domains. Mr. Bery noted that integrating climate initiatives would tackle non-traditional security threats posed by climate change and suggested that this might gradually become part of government collaborations.
Mr. Bery pointed to the unpredictable nature of climate challenges, explaining that regions may experience extreme weather events, such as floods following heat waves. He emphasized the importance of flexibility and the empowerment of local authorities, particularly District Collectors, in managing these uncertainties.
In preparation for the upcoming 30th Conference of Parties in Brazil, India is finalizing its first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) aimed at addressing climate extremes. Insights from the conference are expected to enrich this plan. Adaptation strategies, historically overshadowed by mitigation efforts, are essential for developing countries facing climate impacts.
During the conference, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, underscored the significance of climate finance for effective adaptation. He asserted that financing mechanisms must be enhanced to support vulnerable communities, advocating for innovative solutions like public-private partnerships and risk-sharing frameworks to fulfill adaptation needs.
India and the U.S. have the opportunity to enhance their collaborative efforts on climate risks through the TRUST framework, focusing on the unpredictable nature of climate change. By empowering local authorities and scaling up climate finance, both nations can develop effective adaptation strategies in anticipation of future climate-related challenges. As India prepares its National Adaptation Plan, the integration of insights from various stakeholders will be vital in creating resilient systems for the future.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
